Norway World Cup 2026 preview: Players to watch, group matches, squad list | World Cup 2026 News
Norway’s World Cup Return Marked by Talent and Hopes for Success
Previous World Cup appearances: 3
Best performance: Last 16 (1938, 1998)
First appearance: 1938 (France)
Top goal scorer: Kjetil Rekdal (2 goals)
Most appearances: Henning Berg, Stig Inge Bjornbye, Kjetil Rekdal (7 appearances)
Player to watch: Erling Haaland
FIFA world ranking: 31
Norway has not participated in the FIFA World Cup since 1998, leading fans to endure a series of near-misses and disappointing campaigns. This year, however, the national team returns to the tournament with renewed vigor, powered by a roster brimming with talent.
Led by star forward Erling Haaland, Norway dominated their qualifying group with a perfect record of eight wins, including victories over Italy home and away. The squad’s aspirations extend beyond mere participation; they aim to progress deep into the tournament.
The official squad announcement took place via a video message from King Harald V, who noted that the country has “waited a long time” for this moment. “The hope has lived on—on gravel, on grass and artificial turf… Across long distances, ferries and mountain passes,” he stated.
Haaland Seeks to Continue Family Legacy
Erling Haaland, who excelled during the qualification rounds by scoring five goals and providing two assists in a decisive 11-1 win against Moldova, is the player to watch. His remarkable tally of three goals against Israel, including a hat-trick, made him the fastest player in history to reach 50 international goals in just 46 matches.
In domestic play, the 25-year-old forward won the Premier League’s golden boot with 27 goals and became the quickest player to reach 100 goals in the league, achieving the feat in only 111 appearances. Haaland’s personal motivation is heightened as he follows in the footsteps of his father, who played in the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
Concerns remain over his physical condition after a demanding season and whether he will receive sufficient creative support from teammates.
Odegaard’s Fitness Raises Questions
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is Norway’s creative lynchpin, yet his participation is uncertain due to an injury-plagued season that saw him miss multiple matches, including friendlies in March. If fit, he would significantly bolster Norway’s attacking options, especially following Arsenal’s Premier League triumph after 22 years.
Without Odegaard, Norway risks losing a crucial link between their midfield and front line.
Norway will need a healthy Odegaard in the midfield to navigate a challenging World Cup 2026 group that includes France, Senegal, and Iraq.
A Diverse Supporting Cast
Norway’s strength extends beyond the Haaland-Odegaard duo. Manager Stale Solbakken expressed confidence in the squad’s depth, stating, “We believe that we have a strong squad. This is a squad that has achieved great results over a long period of time.”
Among the talented players are winger Antonio Nusa from RB Leipzig, who could be poised for a breakout performance, and Alexander Sorloth from Atletico Madrid, who provides an imposing presence. The attacking prowess is further enhanced by Crystal Palace’s Jorgen Strand Larsen and Oscar Bobb from Manchester City, who is recovering from injury.
Solbakken, who took over as manager in 2020, has implemented a high-pressing, possession-based style, complemented by the ability to counter-attack swiftly. However, questions linger regarding the defense’s capacity to withstand high-caliber offenses.
Group I: A Challenging Path Ahead
Norway is placed in a demanding Group I, facing strong teams such as France and Senegal, along with Iraq, who may present challenges. The team’s opener against Iraq will be critical, followed by an encounter with Senegal, known for their solid defense and pacey attack. The last group match will feature a potential showdown between Haaland and France’s Kylian Mbappé.
Norway’s Group Stage Matches
- Tuesday, June 16: Group I: Iraq vs. Norway (Foxborough, Mass.), 6 p.m. ET/10 p.m. GMT
- Monday, June 22: Group I: Norway vs. Senegal (East Rutherford, N.J.), 8 p.m. ET/12 a.m. GMT
- Friday, June 26: Group I: Norway vs. France (Foxborough, Mass.), 3 p.m. ET/7 p.m. GMT
Squad Overview
Goalkeepers: Orjan Haskjold Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford), Sander Tangvik (Hamburger SV).
Defenders: Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), David Moller Wolfe (Wolverhampton), Fredrik Bjorkan (Bodo/Glimt), Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Leo Skiri Ostigard (Genoa), Sondre Langas (Derby County), Henrik Falchener (Viking).
Midfielders: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Sander Berge (Fulham), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers).
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo/Glimt).
As Norway prepares for its World Cup journey, the expectations are high, and the team eyes a successful tournament run.
